Located at 2 E. Main St., the Hammond family took ownership of the garage from the Crouch family back in April. The family has been involved in the Panama community for a long time, and Bobby Hammond, who is the main mechanic at the garage, said it was a family decision to take over.

“It was … a good opportunity,” Bobby Hammond said. “I’ve always wanted to do my own thing, so it made sense.”

Bobby’s wife, Ashley, said the last few months since opening have gone better than expected. She added that not only the Panama community but the garage itself was a big part of her childhood.

“I’m from Panama, born and raised,” Ashley Hammond said. “My dad worked here when I was little and Cindy Crouch remembers me running around here without shoes. It’s a full-circle moment for me.”

Panama Auto Center will be holding an open house event on Nov. 18, in conjunction with the village’s Christmas in Panama event.

Panama Auto Center is open for doing New York state inspections and a majority of normal car mechanic work. Bobby Hammond said they work at a fair price, are reliable and are focused on doing their job and doing it correctly.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Nov. 17. An open house will take place on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which are the hours of the Christmas in Panama event. Ashley Hammond said there will be cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, probably hot dogs and some free giveaways. There will also be a meet-and-greet, allowing people to come in and get to know their mechanic.

The Christmas in Panama event will also bring in people from outside the area.

“We want people to know we are here and that Panama is here,” Ashley Hammond said. “We have the diner and pet salon and Family Night Pizza and Panama Rocks, and a lot more. We want people to know Panama exists.”

Bobby Hammond said future plans for the garage include continuing to grow and meeting new people.

“Interest is already established from the last 40 years with the previous owners, but we want to establish our own and meet new people,” Bobby Hammond said.

Ashley Hammond added that they do not only want to grow themselves but help to grow Panama as a whole. She said that younger people are coming to the area and they want to help them and also be involved.

“I’m very involved at the school and I try to assist and support the community,” Ashley Hammond said. “I think that’s what a small community is. It’s the community feel and we are the only mechanic here.”

Ashley Hammond is also the president of Parents for Panama.

Panama Auto Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. The phone number for the garage remains the same as it was with the Crouch family, 716-782-2110. The garage can also be reached by calling or texting 716-397-0516. The Hammonds are also willing to help outside of normal hours, and Bobby Hammond said people are always welcome to call for things that happen outside of normal hours.

“If the lights are on, someone is home,” Ashley Hammond said. “Feel free to stop and come by.”